Colin Montgomerie was going for an X-ray today to discover the full extent of the wrist injury which led to him pulling out of the Open.

In what has already, inevitably, been dubbed "The Fall Monty", Europe's seven-time No 1 tripped on a step going to breakfast at the Walletts Court hotel near Dover.

After playing seven holes of his first round in four over par, he hit one more shot and withdrew.

Montgomerie immediately said he would miss next week's Irish Open as well, but last night manager Guy Kinnings insisted that only when the result of the X-ray was known would final decisions be taken.

He said: "I'm hoping that because Monty was able to play at all it's nothing more than a strain."

Montgomerie, who has now appeared in 49 majors without winning one, blamed the British weather for what happened.

"I couldn't believe it was raining and as I looked up I tripped over a step and fell nastily," he said. "I just hope it's not broken.

"I knew it was bad right away and after hitting only about five shots on the practice range I was about to say forget it. But because it's the Open and because of my competitive nature I wanted to give it a go.

"It was no good, though. I couldn't strike the ball with any authority."

His decision disappointed Welsh amateur Chris Cousins, who was the first reserve and would have got his chance if Montgomerie had not teed off.